Conversations with the Inspiring Mystalee Gagnon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mystalee Gagnon.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always had a love and passion for photography. It wasn’t until I had my first child five years ago that I truly discovered that this is what I wanted to do for my career. They say if you love what you do, then you will never work a day in your life. I am very lucky because I have a wonderful husband who supports me in my journey to be the best photographer I can be. I went through many phases trying to figure out my specific passion in photography and which genre I wanted to pursue my business. I initially did a little of everything. Weddings, families, children, maternity, engagement, high school seniors. But I was never truly happy or satisfied photographing those genres. I spent most of my five years doing something that didn’t inspire me or feed my creative soul. Just recently over the last year, I discovered where my true photographic passion is, and that is to create stylish fantasy photoshoots for the everyday woman. What I create for my clients has been called magic. My goal is to make any woman I photograph feel like an ethereal goddess. I strive to show them just how special and beautiful they are. By discovering what truly makes me happy, I can now give back to others and hopefully inspire them to see the beauty all around them as well as the beauty within them. I finally found my niche and I couldn’t be happier.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey to getting to where I am today has not been an easy one. I have struggled to find my creative identity in a placed filled with so many others doing the same basic thing. You can throw a stone and find at least 10 photographers in your neighborhood. They are everywhere. I used to get discouraged, thinking to myself that the market is oversaturated with people just like me, that people don’t value photography anymore in a day where everyone has a smartphone with a camera, listening to people say anyone can do what I do and that photography isn’t art and doesn’t take any talent. I let all of those things cloud my feelings and passions. Finally, I decided that I am different, what I offer is different, and that I owe it to myself to give myself a fair shot at the work I am passionate about. It has been a huge struggle getting to this point and I have given up many times, but if you are really passionate about what you do, don’t give up find a way to stand out and separate yourself from the crowd.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a portrait photographer. I photograph and create beautiful imagery of mostly woman looking to rediscover themselves, celebrate themselves, and just have a day full of magic. I have created a gorgeous floral hoop swing that is a statement feature to my portfolio. Unlike so many other photographers, I do not have a studio, I work outdoors creating magical images that turn any woman into the goddess she is inside. I empower women through my photographs to see their best selves, and to remind them that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes because real beauty comes from within. I am most proud of how I make each and every woman who takes this journey with me feel important, beautiful, empowered, and amazing. To every woman out there who doesn’t already know this, you are important and irreplaceable and you deserve to celebrate that.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
I think the person I look up to most is my husband. He believes in everything I do. Whenever I want to give up or lose faith in myself he reminds me of how strong I am and how much he knows I can accomplish. He inspires me everyday with his dedication of and love for me and our family as well as by his ability to do the impossible and keep moving forward.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
For me, in the photography industry, the biggest barrier and misconception I see out there to female leadership is that most female photographers as just stay at home moms with a fancy camera. While a lot of women get into photography from becoming mothers, it does not take away from the hours of education, practice, and heart that goes into each photoshoot we do. Just because we have had children doesn’t make our talent or skills any less than that of a male photographer. Each person in the industry is here because we want to be and we all deserve to be seen for the results of our work.

Pricing:

• * Sitting fee is $675 and includes professional hair, makeup, a gorgeous outfit for the shoot, and an in-person viewing and ordering session of your images in print.
• *Images and luxury products are purchased separately from the sitting fee at the viewing and ordering session
• * Individual images are $250 each and come as a digital image with a complimentary matching print

Contact Info:

• Phone: 303-944-3429
• Email: mystaleeportraits@gmail.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/mystaleeportraits
• Facebook: facebook.com/mystaleeportraits

Image Credit:
Savvy Lee, Gemini Adore, Tara Gitit, Jacquelyn Renee Wilt, Irina Katina

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